Monthly Archives: August 2012

The inaugural Ernest Cole Award Exhibition will take place at the Wits Art Museum in Johannesburg on 5th September 2012.
This will include the book launch of the first winner of the award, Cape Town-based documentary photographer Dale Yudelman. He comments: “Life Under Democracy (published by Jacana Media) consists of vibrant daily reflections, shot in passing, with the simple motivation of noticing what is”. Renowned artist, Visual Artists Art Administrator and activist Bongi Dhlomo will open the significant event.
Ernest Cole was born in South Africa in 1940 and received his first camera as a gift from a clergyman. Before leaving the country in the mid 1960s he worked as a photojournalist for Drum magazine, sharing a darkroom with photographer Struan Robertson. On his own initiative, Cole undertook a comprehensive photographic essay in which he showed what it meant to be black under apartheid. The House of Bondage was published in New York in 1967 and was immediately banned in South Africa.
Cole was a courageous documentarian who at times risked his life to share his imagery with the world. “He wasn’t just brave. He wasn’t just enterprising. He was a supremely fine photographer,” says David Goldblatt, a co-founder of the award. Sadly, he never returned to South Africa and died in exile in New York in 1990 just after the release of Nelson Mandela and the unbanning of the ANC and other liberation organisations.
In contrast to Cole’s work, Yudelman’s project is shot on an iphone and explores the life of ordinary South Africans today. His journey takes us from the streets of Johannesburg to the surrounds of Hout Bay, Cape Town; from street protests to parliament, from the poor to the rich and famous. He delivers a personal, sometimes scathing and often humorous account of our unruly and evolving democracy.
Yudelman’s interpretation of Life Under Democracy coincides with the ‘digitial revolution’ providing a provocative essay of contrast and social commentary executed in his inimitably, edgy style. It is a significant social documentary that invests in the power of smaller moments and features South Africans in their eighteenth year of freedom.
The Award, initiated by University of Cape Town Libraries, offers a unique opportunity for photographers to complete an existing project focusing on South African society. The award has been made possible by the generous support of the Peter Brown, Gavin Relly Educational, Kirsh Family Trusts and Orms.
Date: Open to the public from 6 September to 24 September 2012Where: Corner Jan Smuts Avenue and Jorissen Street, Braamfontein.
Secure parking: Braamfontein Centre, Cor Jorissen and Bertha Streets, entrance in Stiemens Street; 86-92 Juta Street. On street parking is also often available.
Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 10am – 4pm
For more information please visit ernestcoleaward.org or contact
Fiona Rankin-Smith at Wits Arts Museum: fiona.rankin-smith@wits.ac.za (011) 717 1362
Neliwa Moshega at Jacana: marketting@jacana.co.za (021) 628 3200
Paul Weinberg Co-ordinator Ernest Cole Award: Paul.Weinberg@uct.ac.za (021) 650 2089

First of all thank you to all of the applicants that submitted their work for consideration for the 2012 Ernest Cole Award.
The submissions we received this year were of an extremely high standard, which left the adjudication committee with some tough decisions to make. The committee sat in July and have selected this year's winner.
We are also excited to inform you that during the adjudication session, a decision was taken to introduce an annual Master Class. Invites will be extended to some of the 2012 Award Applicants by the Committee. We will announce further details in the near future.
More importantly, who won the 2012 Award?
We are excited to announce that this year’s winner is Ilan Godfrey, whose submission is titled ‘Legacy of the Mine’. More about Ilan can be found at his website http://www.ilangodfrey.com/
The study explores the consequences of mining on South Africa's land and people - an exploration of the need for economic growth versus protection of the environment. Once a symbol of wealth and formidable force in the development of SA, the mine today reveals the scars of neglect and decay, which poses a threat to our society.
Please join us in congratulating Ilan on his win!